Komar



March 26, 1963 w. KOMAR 3,082,565

MINK PELT DRYING PLATE Filed OGC. 24, 1961 lllllhllllllllllli.,

l [HIIIIHIIH IHHHHHHIHIIHUI M//am Komar IN VE N TOR.

BY @www United States Patent O 3,032,5 MENK PELT DRYENG PLATE William Komm', REED. 1, BOX 70, Spring Grove, Eli. Fiied ct. 2d, 1951, Ser. No. 147,333 7 Claims. (Ci. i5-24) This invention generally relates to the art of drying animal pelts particularly, although not necessarily, those of ranch-raised mink wherein the skin is mounted, ilesh side out, on a wooden pelting board. While the pelts are so mounted, it is the usual practice for prospective buyers to examine and evaluate the fur of the inside-out pelt. In this manner the pelt is often damaged and its value proportionately lowered owing to the inadequacy of the inspection opening or window at the lower or tail end. Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, novel means -for providing an opening or window in the mounted pelt of suicient size to permit the fur to be rapidly and carefully inspected without damaging said pelt.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a drying plate of the character descri-bed which is adapted to be readily inserted in the pelt and secured in position on the usual board.

Other objects of the invention are to provide an improved pelt drying plate of the aforementioned character which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, compact, of light weight and which may be manufactured at low cost.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described `and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a pelt drying plate constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational View, showing the device in use;

FGURE 3 is an end elevational view, showing the device in use; and

rFIGURE 4 is a vfragmentary View in longitudinal section on -an enlarged scale, taken substantially on the line 4 4 of FIGURE 2.

Referring now `to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that reference numeral S designates ygenerally a conventional wooden drying or pelting board. The board 5 ncludes on one end the usual integral handle 6. Mounted flesh side out on ythe board 5 is a mink pelt 7.

The embodiment of the present invention which has been illustrated comprises an arcuate or generally U-shaped bar S of suitable metal, plastic or other material. The bar 8 may also be of any desired dimensions. Formed integrally with the bar 8 on one of the side edges thereof is a right angularly extending llange 9.

The bar S is adapted to be slipped into the pelt 7 on the belly side thereof through the open lower or inner end of said pelt. The plate rests on the board `5 and is secured thereon in the pelt by pressing into said board a stop in the 3,082,565 Patented Mar. 26, 1953 "ice form of a pin or tack 10. To prevent damaging the pelt, the flange 9 is provided with substantially tapered or beveled end portions I11 which merge into the end portions of the bar 8.

With the device inserted and secured substantially as described, the lower or inner end of the pelt is positively held open sufficiently to permit rapid and rigid inspection without damaging said pelt. Of course, the pelt has been previously fleshed out and the back and tail are tacked to the board yafter being mounted thereon. As shown to advantage in FIGURE 4 of the drawing, the drying plate pushes up the skin on the belly side of the pelt to provide the desired opening, after which the retaining tack 10 is inserted. After the pelt tl has been dried the device may be quickly removed to be used on another pelt.

The yforegoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

l. For use in an animal pelt on a pelting board, a drying plate comprising an arcuate bar removably insertable transversely in the pelt on the board yfor providing an inspection window in one end of said pelt.

2. For use in an lanimal pelt mounted ilesh-side-out on a pelting board, a drying plate comprising an arcuate bar insertable between the board and the belly side of the pelt for spacing same from said board Ifor providing an inspection vWindow in said pelt.

3. A drying plate in accordance with claim 2, wherein said plate further comprises a right angularly extending llange integral with one of the side edges of the bar.

4. A pelt drying plate in accordance with claim 3, said ilange including beveled end portions merging with the end portions of the bar.

5. In combination with an elongated pelting board for insertion in a pelt, a flat, arcuate transverse bar slidable on the board and insertable in the pelt for spacing the belly side thereof from said board, and a headed element mounted on the board for retaining the bar in the pelt.

`6. The combination of claim 5, together with a base ange integral with one of the side edges of said bar.

7. In combination, a pelting board insertable in a pelt to be dried, a removable bar insertable in a pelt on the board Afor spacing said pelt from said board, and means for removably securing the bar in the pelt, said board being of a soft material, said means including a removable stop anchored on the board and engaged with the bar.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. FOR USE IN AN ANIMAL PELT ON A PELTING BOARD, A DRYING PLATE COMPRISING AN ARCUATE BAR REMOVABLY INSERTABLE TRANSVERSELY IN THE PELT ON THE BOARD FOR PROVIDING AN INSPECTION WINDOW IN ONE END OF SAID PELT. 